"Ten minutes later, I heard a sudden, loud snap," said the 53-year-old attorney from nearby Zamboanga City in Mindanao. "Then the ship immediately capsized," he said in an interview from his home, describing how panic quickly gripped the passengers. 'No alert from crew'Sajili said he was awoken by a fellow passenger as the triple-decker ferry began to tilt precariously. The first rescue vessels arrived at around 3:30 am, Sajili said, although those bobbing in the water faced a longer wait. The ferry sank about five kilometres (three miles) east of Basilan province's Baluk-Baluk Island, near the Zamboanga peninsula.

Record PCIC budget to cover insurance for 2.93 million farmersPCIC said it has been given an appropriation of P6.5 billion, the highest in the agency’s history, up from last year’s P4.5 billion. MANILA, Philippines — State crop insurer Philippine Crop Insurance. Corp (PCIC) plans to insure almost three million farmers this year after its budget increased by 45 percent. The expanded budget will translate into higher insurance cover for rice and corn and a wider reach for its free insurance program nationwide, PCIC added. Furthermore, the free insurance coverage is also extended to coconut farmers registered under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System, backed by about P500 million from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund.

'Bizarre, sad' game for US city in turmoilFans hold signs to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis during the game between the Warriors and Timberwolves.

Four Hong Kong defendants convicted of fraud in first illegal short-selling case prosecuted as fraud

The next president and BSP governor‘Twas a breezy Friday night as bankers descended on the glittering Courtyard of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay for the annual Bankers’ Night – yet the buzz was as hot as a sweltering summer’s day. For instance, some bankers and regulators raised the question: who would be the next Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor when Governor Eli Remolona Jr.’s term expires in 2029? It’s a tough role to be the BSP governor, for sure. ‘Bright spot’At the Bankers’ Night, he appeared in his usual relaxed self, welcoming industry leaders and fellow regulators. As for me, I left the venue wondering – was the next BSP governor present at the Courtyard that night, quietly observing the system he or she may later inherit?

Water treatment facility launched in NegrosPresident Marcos and Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh lead the inauguration of the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant in Negros – a project that strengthens partnerships for clean, safe and sustainable water for communities. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos led the inspection and inauguration of the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant on Jan. 19, marking a major milestone in improving access to safe, reliable and sustainable water supply for communities in the Negros Island Region. Marcos said the facility benefited from international expertise, including Israeli water treatment and automation technology that supports efficient water purification, real-time monitoring and automated control to ensure a consistent, safe and reliable supply. Despite having more than 60 percent of its land classified as desert, Israel learned to overcome water scarcity through innovation, including drip irrigation and advanced water technologies. We are proud to share Israel’s experience and practical solutions to support water and food security for Filipinos.

C5 eyed as next busway siteMotorists crawl through heavy traffic along EDSA–Taft Avenue in Pasay City on January 4, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — To improve commuting in eastern Metro Manila, C5 Road is being eyed as the next location for a bus rapid transit (BRT) similar to the EDSA Carousel. The Department of Transportation is looking at the viability of establishing a busway along C5, particularly in Katipunan, as part of the DOTr’s studies on where best to locate BRT systems. Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said it would be easy to put up a busway on C5 because the DOTr expects to face minimal issues on right of way (ROW). The EDSA busway, one of the most congested modes of public transport, received P88.71-million budget for 2026, forcing the DOTr to look at other options to increase funding.

Stocks tumble as investors see weak growthThe benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 0.94 percent or 59.39 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,273.87. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market opened the week in negative territory as investors decided to stay on the sidelines while waiting for the upcoming gross domestic product (GDP) growth announcement later this week. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 0.94 percent or 59.39 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,273.87. The broader All Shares index likewise declined by 0.52 percent or 18.88 points, settling at 3,580.43. Ricafort said investors are expecting a relatively weaker expansion due to slower government spending amid the anomalous flood control projects.

Tourism is often cited as one of the low-hanging fruits that can quickly energize our economy and have widespread multiplier effects, especially in the provinces where most of our tourist sites are located. 2024 data showed 6.75 million people were employed in the tourism industry, which generated revenues of $13.1 billion (around P760.5 billion) from foreign visitors, led by those from South Korea, the US and Japan. Tourism as an income generator, jobs creator and nationwide development effort must go beyond slogans, beautiful photos and promotions. Tourism is a business, so accessibility, logistics and price-price-price must be rationalized and improved. The tourism industry, in fact the whole of government – from infrastructure to security to bureaucracy down to the local governments – must work together to make the tourist experience safe, pleasant, hassle- and scam-free.

GatekeepingThe call for reforms in the regulation of health products sold online and in physical stores struck a strong chord among ordinary Filipinos. We need stronger gatekeeping by the FDA. Making and marketing these so-called health products has now become an immensely profitable business. Defective or totally fake health supplements can cause irreversible damage on those who consume them. The proliferation of unregulated and unsafe health products has reached epidemic proportions.

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Megaworld taps Samsung to build AI-powered homesThrough the initiative, Megaworld is combining its expertise in real estate innovation with Samsung’s global leadership in AI-powered living. MANILA, Philippines — The future is here for property giant Megaworld Corp. with the rollout this year of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered homes in partnership with global technology company Samsung. Through the initiative, Megaworld is combining its expertise in real estate innovation with Samsung’s global leadership in AI-powered living. Megaworld said the AI-powered homes are precision-engineered living spaces that integrate functions like intelligent climate control, adaptive lighting and voice-activated command centers. Buyers of Megaworld residential condominiums can opt to have their spaces transformed into AI-powered homes by integrating various Samsung devices such as televisions, washing machines and air-conditioning units, as well as other AI-powered devices into the SmartThings platform.

Toyota opens new Antipolo dealershipIn a statement yesterday, TMP said it has started the development of a new dealership with Toyota Taytay Rizal Inc. as part of its aim to provide quality service to its growing customers. MANILA, Philippines — Leading automotive firm Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is set to open a new dealership in Antipolo, Rizal to further expand its reach in the country. In a statement yesterday, TMP said it has started the development of a new dealership with Toyota Taytay Rizal Inc. as part of its aim to provide quality service to its growing customers. TMP president Masando Hashimoto said the Antipolo dealership “is set to strengthen our network.”In addition, he said the dealership is expected to enable TMP to serve customers with greater convenience. Toyota Antipolo president Zellyn Lim Diaz said the dealership is expected to contribute to the local economy.

Sara lying about Madriaga – LawyerVice President Sara Duterte shares breakfast with personnel from the Office of the Vice President—Central Office and Pangasinan Satellite Office—after Mass at the Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan in October 2025. Invitations, videos, screenshots, testimonies and public statements show prior interaction between Madriaga and Duterte, the law firm stressed. Lachica filed a case against Madriaga, but not against state officials who testified on the same matters, the law firm pointed out. As for claims circulating online, the law firm clarified that Madriaga never claimed to be the Vice President’s classmate. Madriaga welcomed all investigations and was prepared to cooperate fully, the law firm said.

MANILA, Philippines — The two verified impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. were referred to the justice committee during Congress' plenary session on Monday, January 26. Deputy Speaker Yevgeny Vicente "Bambi" Emano (Misamis Oriental, 2nd District) presided over the session and announced the complaints' referral to the Committee on Justice, effectively initiating the impeachment proceedings against the president. Under the House rules, the justice committee evaluates whether the complaints are sufficient in substance and form, allowing both sides to submit affidavits and evidence. Marcos faces complaints alleging constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, and graft, including alleged involvement in infrastructure budget insertions and kickback schemes. With the impeachment case against Marcos now underway, any future complaints are barred for one year.